Ara's POV
I woke up in an empty bed, to cold sheets, half expecting his presence. A stupid pang of sadness twisted in my heart as I inhaled his scent.
Where was he?
The thought slipped in before I could stop it, bitter and unbidden. Why did I even care if Damon wasn’t here? Why did the space beside me feel too vast, too hollow?
Why did I care at all? Wasn't it better this way?
Groaning, I dragged myself out of bed and dressed mechanically, my fingers fumbling with the laces of my tunic. When I stepped into the hall, Aurelia was waiting, her golden eyes soft with something dangerously close to pity.
"Hey, how are you feeling?" she asked.
"Fine," I muttered, though the word tasted like ash.
She smiled, looping her arm through mine. "It’s a beautiful day. And I am sure your
